The Atlanta Falcons could turn in an interesting direction at offensive tackle.
The Atlanta Falcons are moving through training camp rapidly and getting started with preseason action this week is just the latest sign that the season will be here before fans know it.
Over the last several years, offensive line has been one of the strengths of the roster, and for most of the unit this year, that should be the case again. Right tackle looks like it could be a major problem though, and after some injuries throughout the offseason program, it's a mystery as to who the regular starter, or if it will be by committee, is going to be.
One name is emerging so far though in training camp, and it's not one many saw coming. When Atlanta selected Ethan Onianwa in the seventh round of the NFL Draft last April, it was as a depth and development piece, but instead, he is really impressing the coaching staff during camp so far.
According to a camp report from Tori McElhaney of Falcons.com, Onianwa was handing James Pearce Jr. in 1 on 1 drills despite Pearce wrecking everyone he's seen to this point, and that this could be a sign the former Ohio State tackle is vying not just for a roster spot, but a potential starting gig.
Onianwa May Be Pushing Towards Starting Offense
"Lining up against James Pearce Jr., Onianwa took on Pearce's rush with power, keeping the edge rusher locked in," McElhaney wrote. "It was a good day from start to finish for the young tackle vying for not just a spot on this roster any longer, but perhaps, a starting spot at some point."
Having someone like Onianwa emerge and seize a starting job would be absolutely huge for this offense and answer a question which loomed over the start of camp. Clearly, he still has a lot of work to do in order to earn the trust of the coaching staff, but ultimately, late round selections in the draft are all lottery tickets.
Getting camp production and even the idea of a seventh rounder having a chance to come in and compete for the job is extremely exciting. Onianwa has a long way to go, but he could not ask for a better start to his first camp in the NFL, and it's clear that the efforts are not going unnoticed.
When the Falcons take the field on Friday against the Denver Broncos, count on Onianwa to be on the field and try to prove why he should stay on the field when the games start to count.
